Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development Stands Ready to Assist and Encourages Businesses to Complete Disaster Assessment

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL (September 7, 2016) - - Florida businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Hermine may now apply for short-term, interest-free loans through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Activated yesterday by Governor Rick Scott, the bridge loan program helps bridge the gap for small businesses between the time impact occurs until other resources are available, including insurance claims or federal assistance. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2016. Governor Scott has allocated $10 million from the General Revenue Fund for the program.

Under the program, eligible small businesses with two to 100 employees can apply for loans for up to $25,000 for 90 or 180-day terms. To be eligible, a business must have been:

established prior to August 31, 2016,

be located in the 51 affected counties, and

demonstrate economic or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Hermine.

Pinellas County is currently approved for the emergency bridge loan program, and businesses impacted by the storm that have incurred losses due to Hurricane Hermine are asked to complete a Business Damage Assessment Survey. The survey will help the State Emergency Response Team determine the needs and level of assistance for impacted businesses. To take the survey, please visit http://flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda.

The Florida SBDC Network, the state's principal provider of business assistance, can provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.

"Our goal is to ensure that small businesses impacted by Hurricane Hermine have access to the resources needed to recover as quickly as possible," said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC Network. "We want businesses to know that we're here to help. Our mission is to help small businesses succeed - especially in times of need."

For questions about the Emergency Bridge Loan Program and how the Florida SBDC can help, please contact Florida SBDC Network Headquarters Disaster Coordinator Gerry Goldstein at (850) 898-3489.

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About Pinellas County Economic Development

Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions to open new markets, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the ideal business climate of Pinellas County, Florida. Learn more at www.PCED.org and find customized business consulting to grow your company at www.PCED.org/sbdc.